What does it do?

Research has elucidated several physiological effects of acupuncture including modulation of neurotransmitters, reduction of inflammation and influence on autonomic functions. These findings support acupuncture’s role in promoting homeostasis and its therapeutic benefits across various conditions.

Acupuncture accesses the fascial system—a continuous, three-dimensional network of connective tissue that envelops and interconnects muscles, organs, and other structures—through mechanical stimulation. This interaction is believed to initiate a cascade of physiological responses that contribute to acupuncture's therapeutic effects.

Who does it?

An acupuncturist is a professional who practices the technique of acupuncture and related AHM techniques based on the traditional theories and/or scientifically based understanding of the medicine. Acupuncture has expanded into diverse medical settings in the U.S. including hospitals, oncology centres, rehabilitation centres and veterans’ healthcare centres.

Registered acupuncturists are the only medical professional comprehensively trained to perform acupuncture and other AHM modalities. Other practitioners also practice acupuncture as a technique including physiotherapists, naturopathic doctors, medical doctors and veterinarians. You may see terms such as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) or Dry Needling which are acupuncture techniques that are musculoskeletal in origin and have been developed in the last 60 years. Unfortunately there is a lack of consensus regarding appropriate training standards and often practitioners are practicing below the 200-hour minimum recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).